In a significant policy shift following the change of power in the state, the new government in West Bengal has prioritised border security and infrastructure development, fast-tracking long-pending road projects by approving the handover of several National Highways stretches to central agencies.
Acting on commitments made during the election campaign, the administration has authorised the transfer of key highway stretches to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The decision, formalised through a directive issued by the Chief Secretary, resolves a prolonged deadlock that had stalled infrastructure development in critical border regions.
According to government sources, portions of seven National Highways will now be maintained and developed by these central bodies. Until recently, progress on these routes had been hindered due to the absence of state-level approvals.
The NHIDCL, established in 2014 under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, focuses on infrastructure in strategic and border areas, while the NHAI remains the apex authority for highway development and maintenance across the country.
Under the new arrangement, stretches of NH-31, NH-33, and NH-312 will come under the supervision of the NHAI. Meanwhile, the NHIDCL will take charge of strategically significant routes such as Sevoke–Coronation Bridge, Hasimara–Jaigaon, and Changrabandha. These corridors are vital for enhancing connectivity in North Bengal and facilitating access to international borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
With approvals now in place, central agencies are expected to commence work immediately. Officials indicate that the move will strengthen connectivity between North Bengal and neighboring countries, improve road safety, and enhance surveillance capabilities in sensitive border zones. Sectors such as tourism, trade, and transport are also expected to benefit from the accelerated infrastructure push.
The state government maintains that this initiative will bring substantial improvements to road networks across the Darjeeling Hills, the Dooars region, and other underserved border areas. For years, many of these roads remained in poor condition, with development proposals from central agencies pending approval during the tenure of the previous administration.
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